Children Of Watamu

 

1st August Work started on the Happy House

I am so delighted to be able to tell you that work has now started on the Happy House building. My vision is becoming a reality!  We still need more funds to complete the building but we have made a start on phase one which is so thrilling.

So many of you have worked so hard helping to raise the much needed money, thank you all so much. I hope you feel as Happy as I do.

Work continues 80 people employed

The work has moved at a great pace this week as can be seen by the photographs

This week we have employed 80 local people to help with the excavation work. Men & women. This mean a great deal to me that we are working in the community with the community. Feeding families, by paying wages. 

So many people have been queuing at the gates every day hoping for some casual work, even if it is just one day. It reminds me of books I have read and news items I have seen of the Depression. As I think about it, Watamu is going through a Depression. First of all Watamu Beach Hotel burnt down in August 2007 making 300 local people unemployed. In December 2007 Kenya had all the post election disturbances. In Watamu we didn't see any of the violence what we did see was all the hotels close due to a blanket ban on all flights to Kenya. Therefore the main source of employment had gone. It is now 8 months later, and still it is very quiet with regard to tourists. In Kenya there is no unemployment benefit, no child allowance no income support or even old age pension.. These people don't get their rent paid by the Government, plus a cash amount for food every week. When they do not have work there is nothing, not a single penny. People still need food. The situation in Watamu is extremely dire, so by starting this work we are supporting the community. We do not have enough money to complete this mammoth task but we have made a start. Food is now being put on tables for some of the families.

Photo Galleries

Please come to Blackpool and celebrate at our Race Night  on the 1st of November so we can all raise enough to complete phase 2. Find out more about the race night

So many vulnerable children need our help. If you can help please make a donation